Owning Your Seat at the Table
Chapter Leadership Brief 2.23.24
by Thomas E. Moore III
Executive Director, American Friends of the Louvre
It’s been nearly four months since I began my tenure as the Executive Director of American Friends of the Louvre and, as my first executive director role, it has been an incredible period of learning and growing into a new kind of leadership.
Successful leaders often demonstrate attributes like compassion, a deep connection with their teams, and the ability to balance group needs with their individual aspirations. For emerging leaders looking to grow their skills, particularly leaders of color, I strongly advise embracing qualities and skills that may not always be recognized as conventional strengths. For example, being perceived as ‘different’ may have taught you how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. In leadership, you can harness that feeling to adapt quickly, overcome difficult experiences, and see innovative solutions.
You deserve your seat at the table.
Imposter syndrome is a real experience, and it's crucial to recognize it. Remind yourself that it's merely a thought, and there is power in the fact that we can control our thoughts. Reflect on the many reasons colleagues have placed their trust in you. Questions like, "Do I possess the appropriate strategic vision for this team?" or "How can I skillfully balance leadership duties with my day-to-day business and personal commitments?" may cross your mind, but understanding that these are just thoughts empowers you to navigate and shape your actions with confidence.
To authentically secure a seat at the table, you must believe that you rightfully belong there. Former first lady Michelle Obama aptly noted, "I have been at probably every powerful table that you can think of… They are not that smart." I draw on this quote often as I assert and reaffirm my presence at the table. I am constantly checking in and reminding myself to trust my instincts while valuing the input of others. While I acknowledge my individual capabilities, I also recognize the power of collaboration; alone, I can make progress, but together, we can achieve even greater heights. Viewing the tasks ahead not just as personal endeavors but as contributions to a collective effort helps to keep me inspired to overcome any challenge.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Years ago, a mentor I deeply respect emphasized how important it is to remember that Rome was not built in a day, nor by a single individual. This insight holds particular significance as I navigate leading an organization. My approach involves thinking in terms of quarters, considering the measurable achievements in each quarter and beyond while envisioning the broader accomplishments we can attain in the next 2, 3, or 4 years.
Leadership demands a combination of grit and patience. It requires the ability to strategically plan ten steps ahead while addressing daily challenges and presenting them to others as mere brush fires. Leadership requires trusting yourself to envision the future, acknowledging that you won't always be perfect, but ensuring decisions are made with the greater good in mind.
Trust your gut
Rely on your instincts, shaped by past experiences and intuition. Act on those initial gut reactions, but temper them with a quick rational analysis. This interplay enables you to make informed, thoughtful decisions, leveraging both intuition and reasoned judgment in your leadership approach. Reflecting on my own experiences, the decisions I regret are typically those where I ignored my instincts.
Leadership is about others
The aspect of leadership that I cherish the most is guiding others to discover their own leadership potential. It involves mentorship, coaching, and creating an environment that fosters personal and professional growth. It’s about providing support but getting out of the way so individuals have room to shine and grow on their own. This approach benefits individuals and enhances the overall strength of the organization.
Looking forward to my own season of growth and cementing my seat at the table, I am excited about what the future holds. Embracing the philosophy of "lifting as I climb,” I am committed to ensuring that I am neither the first nor the last Black person to have a seat at any table that I’m a part of. Leading a team supporting one of the world's premier cultural institutions, I am privileged to collaborate with brilliant minds, cultural enthusiasts, and thought leaders – a responsibility I hold in high regard. I am acutely aware of the support I receive from my incredible friends and family, serving as a constant reminder to cultivate and sustain balance in my life on a daily basis.
With over a decade of fundraising experience, Thomas E. Moore III is the current Executive Director at the American Friends of the Louvre. Collaborating closely with Laurence des Cars, the Louvre's President-Director, and colleagues, Thomas is dedicated to enhancing the cross-cultural connection between American patrons of art and France. His primary focus is providing crucial support to the museum's collections, exhibitions, and programs.
A proud native New York, Thomas seamlessly integrates arts and culture into both his personal and professional life. Leveraging his philanthropic background, he has been instrumental in guiding institutions and nonprofits to achieve strategic objectives, surpass fundraising targets, and unite behind shared missions.
In 2022, Thomas took on the role of Executive Producer for the documentary series "Who's Behind Black Art," delving into the lives of contemporary Black artists. This series highlights dynamic artists and experts across various facets of the art ecosystem.
As a devoted contemporary art collector, Thomas prioritizes investing in emerging artists, particularly those historically overlooked, including artists of African descent.
Thomas actively serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals NYC, sharing his insights as a guest speaker and panelist on topics that explore the intriguing intersection of philanthropy and art.
Residing between New York and Paris with his wife, Thomas continues to contribute significantly to the art and fundraising communities.